by Mark Standland

Created on: November 05, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2010

The year of 2009 has already delivered some long awaited new releases from artists like Jay-Z and Eminem who both proved that it was worth the wait. Even as 2009 is entering the final months we still have new releases from such big name artists as Rihanna, Timbaland and Leona Lewis expected for release in 2009.

Since everyone has a different opinion on music this article will not present the view of all but give some candidates to what albums could be the best of 2009.

Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D

The E.N.D being an abbreviation of The Energy Never Dies is the perfect name for this album. First single 'Boom Boom Pow' set the album on to a flying start as it reached and stayed at the top of the Hot 100 for twelve consecutive weeks before being knocked out of the top spot by the albums second single 'I Gotta Feeling' which would remain at the top spot for fourteen consecutive weeks.

Even though the album so far has been certified 4x Platinum the critical reception of the album has not been quite as positive as the commercial response. In general the critics claim that the sound of The E.N.D is old and lacks innovation.

That said there is a reason for the success that this album has enjoyed and it is definitely one of the best of 2009.

Jay Z - The Blueprint 3

The Blueprint 3 was easily one of the most sought after albums of 2009 and it did not disappoint. The album sold an estimated 476,000 copies in its first week and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Even more impressively the album was still in the top 3 going into its 6th week.

The only critic came after the first single from the album was released. On this track Jay Z declares the Death Of Auto-Tune and this in a time where artists like Lil Wayne, Drake and T-Pain are all having hit singles using auto-tune. Lil Wayne publicly said that auto-tune is not dead while The Game went as far as calling Jay Z too old to stay relevant on the music scene.

A lot of talented producers and artist help make this album one of the best of 2009. Kanye West, Timbaland, Rihanna, Young Jeezy and Alicia Keys are just some of the featured artists making this a must-have album.

The Dream - Love vs. Money

Having written songs like 'Umbrella' and 'Single Ladies' The Dream is known as one of the world's best songwriters/producers. The album contains songs in the genres R&B, pop and hip hop which makes it appealing to a wide audience.

With songs like 'Rockin' That Thang', 'My Love' and 'Walking on The Moon' the album debuted (also being its peak) at number two on the Billboard 200 and number one on the top R&B/Hip-Hop album list.

The critical response of the album was very positive praising The Dreams talent as a great singer, songwriter and producer.

Rihanna – Rated R

An album that this not yet released but has the potential to make this list when it is released in late November is Rihanna's 'Rated R'. This album features some of the world's best artists, producers and songwriters. The presence of Ne-Yo, The Dream, Will.i.am and Stargate makes this album worth waiting for.

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